The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Matai and its dependencies in Minya issued a statement regarding a tragic road accident that resulted in the death of three young women and injuries to 14 of its members.
The statement read: “The Diocese of Matai bids farewell, in the hope of resurrection, to three of its children, servants of the Churches of ‘St. Mary,’ ‘The Great Martyr St. George,’ and ‘Prince Tadros al-Shatby’ in Daqouf village. This follows a painful accident during their service to primary school children on their way to Hurghada.”
Minya security services had received a report confirming the deaths of Ramonda Shoukry Aziz (19), Mirna Yacoub Wagih (19), and Dina Ashraf Shehata (19), all university students.
The report also noted that 14 others were injured, including seven children.
The incident occurred on the Ras Ghareb-Minya road as they were traveling to Hurghada, according to a statement from their Bishop, Anba Gawargios.
Church sources indicated that the trip was destined for Hurghada in the Red Sea. The accident occurred approximately one hour after they departed from Matai center, when their bus overturned, most likely as a result of a violent collision with the pavement.
The Bishopric’s statement concluded with “praying and supplicating to God to bring solace and peace to their souls in the bosom of our holy fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
